1. Midfield creativity They have a brilliant midfield which can match any in the tournament.Whereas midfielders from other teams will struggle to break the opposition down, despite controlling possession, Spain will combine excellent ball retention with the ability to pass between and beyond their opponents.

This is due to their ability to pass the ball with greater speed than other teams. The likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Xabi Alonso are all able to inject pace into moves with their vision, ball manipulation and technical proficiency when situations demand.

No matter what defensive strategy other teams adopt to cope with their creativity it will invariably be dismantled by the quality of their passing. They may not be players with great dribbling techniques but all are brilliant decision-makers whenever they receive the ball.

2. Fernando TorresFernando Torres, the perfect striker, will probably start up front by himself with midfield players joining him from different areas.

Playing up front can be an unenviable task when balls are played from deep but, with Spain's midfield so quick and productive with their passing, Torres can focus on making darting runs whenever the ball is in advanced positions, rather than fighting off defenders to gain possession.

As he showed for Liverpool this season, if players have the vision and touch to match his brilliant movement he can be unstoppable. His pace, intelligence and composure in front of goal will terrify opposition defenders. How his relationship and understanding with Fabregas develops will be key, not only to his own success but also the team's.

3. David Villa's versatilityThe versatility of David Villa gives Spain coach Luis Aragones the opportunity to play different formations and tactics, whether they are determined before or during a match.

Aragones is expected to leave Villa on the bench and start with a 4-1-4-1 formation but, as Villa can play up front, on either wing or behind Torres, Aragones can change the pattern of a game when introducing the Valencia player. Villa also offers a different ingredient to the midfield quartet. Whereas they are all great passing players, he has lightning pace and good dribbling skills, which are a necessity when playing against well-organised and athletic defences.

Whenever I have seen him play for Valencia, he has also shown his ability to find space. Valencia are very unorthodox in their positional play and he is often the instigator when unbalancing the opposition's defensive structure.

4. Time to take centre stage Over the course of the last two years Cesc Fabregas has developed into a majestic player with abundant qualities. He dictates the pace of the game with his passing, has the vision to create goal-scoring opportunities for others and has begun to score goals himself with a combination of excellently timed runs and powerful shooting.

However, he cannot be considered a great player until he has demonstrated those skills on the international stage.

I believe this will be his tournament because his best performances this season have come in the biggest games. His display for Arsenal against AC Milan in the San Siro was an indication of what he can do against the best in Europe.

Many people liken Fabregas to the legendary Michael Platini because of his seemingly effortless style of play and how the young Spaniard would love to emulate the feats of Platini in 1984. He may not be at that stage yet, but he will certainly be helped by his role as an attack-minded midfield general.

5. Peaking at the right time Unlike Italy and France, most of Spain's players are reaching their peak.

They have enough experience to cope mentally with difficult situations, the knowledge to win tactical battles and the athleticism to sweep teams aside with their passing movements.

If Aragones can create the correct environment within their training camp, Spain will provide us with some very entertaining and effective football.